Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
First Roanoke County began to “Reimagine 419” – Tanglewood Mall and the surrounding corridor – now both the County and Roanoke City want to reimagine the Oak Grove neighborhood where both have jurisdiction.
For the 8th year Roanoke Children’s Theatre will tackle a difficult subject on stage with the support of partners like the Prevention Council of Roanoke County and Family Service. “I-L-Y: hang up and drive” has public performances this Thursday and Friday night at Jefferson Center. Pat Whilhelms is the artistic director for R-C-T. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Afterwards there are “talk back” sessions with local health care professionals. Dialogue in the play comes from the last text messages sent before fatal car crashes. Local schools will also be brought in to see “Hang up and Drive.”
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — County education leaders across West Virginia are heeding a union call to keep schools closed during the third day of a teacher strike. On Friday, West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee said thousands of teachers were expected to return to the state Capitol in Charleston on Monday to seek help from the Legislature and Gov. Jim Justice. According to the state Department of Education’s website Sunday afternoon, schools will be closed in at least 40 of West Virginia’s 55 counties Monday. Justice has signed teacher pay raises of 2 percent next year and 1 percent the following two years. But teachers, who rank 48th in the nation in pay, say the increases are too stingy. They also complain about projected increases in health insurance costs.
UPDATE: Roanoke County school officials say the “Shelter in Place” has been lifted at Northside High and Middle Schools. The modified lockdown procedures were implemented in response to rumors of a possible weapon at the high school. Officials say the rumor proved to be unsubstantiated, and no weapon was found. While no one was allowed to enter or leave the buildings for several hours, classes continued at the schools. Roanoke County Police Chief Howard Hall says first word of the rumor came from some parents, and they did the right thing by notifying Northside administrators. Investigators took it from there:
PREVIOUS: Roanoke City and County Police were summoned to Northside High School late this morning where students and staff were placed in “shelter in place” procedures. It means no one is allowed to enter or leave the building. The police presence was in response to rumors of a possible weapon at the high school. So far, there is no indication that any weapon is actually inside. Northside Middle School is also operating under “Shelter in Place”.
A Cave Spring Middle School student has been taken to a juvenile detention center after bringing a loaded handgun to school. WFIR’s Lillian Boyd reports on the emotionally charged Roanoke County school board meeting that followed the incident. Former candidate for the 8th District at the House of Delegates Bryan Keele was at the meeting.
A new elementary school is coming to the Blue Ridge area of Botetourt County. The county’s school board today approved issuing more than $20 million in bonds to build the school, one that will replace the 79-year-old Colonial Elementary. The projected new site would be just off Laymantown Road, and school officials say the building may be ready by August of 2020.
This is the 30th year that the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Coalition has sponsored the “After Prom Grand Finale” – where area high school students who attend their school’s official after prom party have a shot at winning a brand new car. Long-time partner First Team Subaru will give away a 2018 Impreza on June 3 
at Elmwood Park. Last year more than 4800 students from 36 high schools in Southwest Virginia attended the after prom parties – and stayed safe. Becky Parr is with RAYSAC:
Pareena Lawrence-Hollins U. photo
Dr. Pareena Lawrence became the president at Hollins University last July, succeeding Nancy Gray, who had retired. Lawrence came to Hollins from Augustana College; she earned an undergraduate degree in her native India and then moved to the United States in 1989 to pursue a ph.D. This Saturday, Pareena G. Lawrence will be formally inaugurated at Hollins University. WFIR’s Gene Marrano sat down with President Lawrence recently to talk about her tenure so far, and what’s ahead – here is a “Longer Listen”:
Family Service of Roanoke Valley is developing a curriculum to groom the next generation of non-profit leaders. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with its director: